a.      Intro

                                                              i.      Isolated in 1948 as the nutritional factor in liver that prevented pernicious anemia

                                                             ii.      Vitamin B₁₂, a complex vitamin, is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt.

                                                           iii.      Primary functions are in the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and to help make DNA.

                                                          iv.      Chosen because of direct relationship with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which I have.

b.      Use in the body

                                                              i.      Can be stored in liver, kidney and body tissues for 3-5 years.

                                                             ii.      Complex absorption process taking about 3 hours: “Vitamin B₁₂ is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B₁₂ from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B₁₂ combines with a substance called gastric intrinsic factor (IF). This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract.”(Office of Dietary Supplements 2000)

c.      Beneficial effects (Murray 1996)

                                                              i.      Methyl donor – bringing carbon and hydrogen to other molecules

                                                             ii.      Homocysteine metabolism

                                                           iii.      Energy metabolism

                                                          iv.      Immune function

                                                            v.      Nerve function including synthesis of the insulating sheath around neurons

d.      Food/herbal sources

                                                              i.      Found only in animal foods including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products such as organ meats, clams, and cheese. 

                                                             ii.      Vitamin B12-fortified foods such as yeast extracts, Vecon vegetable stock, veggieburger mixes, textured vegetable protein, soya milks, vegetable and sunflower margarines, and breakfast cereals.

                                                           iii.      Seaweeds and Algae show levels of B12 though the human-digestibility (effectiveness) of these sources is not reliable.(Pitchford 2002)

e.      Nutrient co-factors –  Enzyme cofactor involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and needed to produce succinyl CoA, an intermediary in the Krebs cycle that generates ATP for cellular energy (http://www.lef.org/ 2005).  EFA cofactor important for regenerating myelin sheath(Perlmutter 2002).

f.       Deficiency/excess symptoms (Herbert V 1996; Roehl 1996; Office of Dietary Supplements 2000)

                                                              i.      Deficiency due often to inability to absorb B₁₂ from food and in strict vegetarians who do not consume any animal foods

                                                             ii.      Signs of deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue

                                                           iii.      can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

                                                          iv.      Signs of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in infancy include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megaloblastic anemia

                                                            v.      B12 levels often lower in persons aged 65+

g.      RDA/ODA

                                                              i.      Under 6 mos - .3mg; 6-12 mos - .6mg; 1-3 yrs – 1mg; 4-6 yrs – 1.1mg; 7-10 yrs – 1.4mg; males 11-14 yrs – 1.7mg; males 15+ yrs – 2.0mg; females 11-14 yrs – 1.5mg; females 15+ yrs – 1.6mg; pregnant females – 2.2mg; lactating females – 2.1mg.(Murray 1996)

h.      Therapeutic use and dosage (Office of Dietary Supplements 2000; http://www.lef.org/ 2005)

                                                              i.      The RDA is the minimum

                                                             ii.      Diet can easily provide enough B12 but mal-absorption will render it useless

                                                           iii.      Supplement may be needed if strict vegetarian, over 65yrs., or if pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders exist

i.        Toxicity – none known(Roehl 1996)

j.        Preferred supplemental form – Methylcobalamin in tablet form (active upon absorption). 

k.      Identify a health condition related to B12 imbalance and give recommendations for food and nutrient support

                                                              i.      Multiple Sclerosis – confirm client is consuming and absorbing necessary Vitamin B12 for maintenance by reviewing diet. Adjust diet, adding B12 foods.  Since most of these meats and cheeses are heat-producing foods, adjust diet accordingly.  Review health and diet in 2-3 weeks. Assess if supplement is necessary. Supplement needed 30-45 days minimum to show effect. On occasion, treatment with high-dose injectables may be prescribed at 1cc injected IM daily for 5 days then 2x/week.(Perlmutter 2002)

###

REFERENCES:

Herbert V. Vitamin B12 in Present Knowledge in Nutrition. Washington, D.C., International Life Sciences Institute Press. (1996)

http://niam.com. "The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine,." (2005).

http://www.deliciouslivingmag.com. "Bacopa." Healthnotes (2005).

http://www.lef.org/. "Scientific Abstracts: Comprehensive Nutrient Review: Vitamin B12 Overview." Life Extension Foundation, (2005).

Martis G, R. A. "Neuropharmacological acitvity of Herpestis Monniera." Fitoterapia 63: 399-404. (1992).

Murray, M. T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. New York, Three Rivers Press. (1996).

Office of Dietary Supplements  Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12, National Institute of Health. (2000).

Perlmutter, D. (Journal of Neuroimmunology). "Multiple Sclerosis - A Functional Approach." (2002)

Pitchford, P. Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley, North Atlantic Books. (2002).

Roehl, E. Whole Food Facts. Rochester, Healing Arts Press. (1996).

Russo A, B. F. "Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview." Phytomedicine 12(4): 305-17. (2005 ).

Thorne Research. "Bacopa monniera - Monograph." Alternative Medicine Review. (2004 ).

Tillotson, A. K.. The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook. New York, Kensington Books. (2001).

 

Check it out and let us know!